Whilst industry body UKTram are heavily associated with campaigning for more tramways to be built they are also involved in the heritage sector and have a Heritage Committee who regularly meet to discuss various aspects of operating vintage tramcars. At a recent meeting of the Heritage Committee it was reported that 2023 has been a successful year as they continue their post-pandemic recovery.
Member of the Committee heard that as well as the continued popularity of so-called staycation holidays, the return of themed events had also provided a boost for many heritage tram operators.
James Hammett, UKTram Managing Director, said: “The past few years have been particularly difficult for our heritage tramways, but in 2023 many have reported a bumper summer season which bodes well for the future. This means they can now renew their focus on other challenges facing the sector with the support of UKTram and other organisations, including the Office of Rail and Road and the Light Rail Safety and Standards Board.”
At the most recent meeting there were also discussions on training for technicians working on overhead line equipment, revisions to horse tram guidance and the legal status of young volunteers. There were also presentations on the wheel/rail interface by Dr Lindsey Smith of the ORR and on wheel flange gauging by Andrew Bailey from the National Tramway Museum.
James concluded: “The breadth of the topics reflects the diverse workstreams of the Committee to help heritage tramways meet the multiple challenges they face, and the commitment of operators to enhance safety while providing the best possible experience for a growing number of visitors.”